Injured Shearer to miss another four weeks

Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer could be missing for another four weeks as he attempts to shake off his thigh injury.

Manager Graeme Souness today confirmed that the 34-year-old will miss the St Stephen's Day trip to former club Blackburn and could be sidelined for between two and four weeks.

Stephen Carr (knee) could return early in the New Year and Nicky Butt (also knee) could be out for up to a month yet.

Ronny Johnsen (hamstring) is three weeks away from a return, and although Lee Bowyer is suspended, Craig Bellamy (back), Kieron Dyer (calf) and Patrick Kluivert (hamstring) are all fit.

Provisional squad: Given, Harper, Taylor, Bernard, Hughes, Elliott, Bramble, O’Brien, Ramage, Dyer, Jenas, Milner, Robert, Ambrose, Brittain, Kluivert, Bellamy, Ameobi, Guy.